CODE OF CONDUCT

The DCBA requires all players participating in the DCBA to adhere to the Policies and Procedures set forth and in accordance with Basketball Ontario’s Guidelines for Behaviour.

Each parent/player is responsible for conducting themselves in a suitable manner while representing the organization in the community. abiding by the DCBA Code of Conduct. Failure to do so could lead to the termination of an athlete or parent from the program. ZERO TOLERANCE. Our members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants - regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Player Roles and Responsibilities

Player’s Bill of Rights

1. To have the opportunity to participate in sports

2. To have qualified adult leadership

3. To participate in a safe and healthy environment

4. To have proper preparation for participation in basketball

5. To be treated with dignity and fairness at all times

6. To have equal opportunity in striving for success

7. TO HAVE FUN

Behaviour and Attitudes that will be Encouraged

Winning and playing time are not the only measure of success. Consequently, your

behaviour and attitudes should reflect the philosophy that enjoyment and self-improvement

are forms of success, and you will be directed to have the appropriate

behaviour and attitudes toward others, namely:

Coaches and League Officials

Desirable behaviour toward coaches and league officials includes using appropriate

forms of address and responding promptly and positively to commands. (“Coach,”

Inappropriate behaviour with team mates includes criticism, demonstrations of anger

with a team mate’s error, and attempts to coach or correct team mates’ techniques.

Opposing Players

Desirable behaviour with opposing players includes the following:

• Respecting an opponent’s efforts, regardless of the level of skill

• Seeking no advantage other than superior skill

• Congratulating or thanking opposing players at the end of the game

• Ignoring opponents whose conduct is unsportsmanlike.

Spectators and Parents

Appropriate behaviour toward spectators and parents includes:

• Ignoring criticism or suggestions from spectators

• Not reacting to spectators either in words or in actions

• Treating parents as spectators

• Focusing on the task at hand

Drugs and Alcohol

The head coach shall inform the players at the beginning of the season that the use of alcohol and tobacco is strictly prohibited by the DCBA. The DCBA will follow Basketball Ontario’s policy.

PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTS AND COACHES

1. Gather the facts prior to discussing the issue with the coach. Keep the issue

between yourself and the coach. Gossiping is not acceptable behavior. Wait 24

hours to cool off and to keep the issue in perspective. Do not call a board

member yet.

2. Meet with the coach face to face. Make sure no children are around. Seek to

understand each other’s position regarding the conflict issue. Be honest,

supportive and civil. If the behavior is within generally accepted DCBA policies

let the conflict end with a minimum of strife. You may have to agree to disagree.

3. If no resolution can be reached, an incident report should be filed and brought to the assigned Rep Director for discussion. This should be done within two

weeks after the initial discussion. The Rep Director will resolve the problem

and advise the DCBA board and the Program Planning Committee.

4. You may appeal to the Program Director for an appeal to the Program Planning Committee. The Program Planning Committee will make recommendations to the DCBA Board who will reach a conclusion on the issue within two weeks.

Conflict, handled properly, can be a huge positive. Relationships and communication can improve because of the problem. In almost all cases the parents can use the issue to teach the kids a valuable life lesson. The DCBA wants all players to learn about winning and losing, teamwork and hard work; yet life is not fair. People can be difficult and leadership comes from criticism. Conflicts within youth sports give us an opportunity to demonstrate the right way to handle frustrations and conflicts.